LAKE Macquarie City Council has granted a request from the First Rathmines Scouts for $975 to purchase 15 life jackets for the group. A report to the council said: “The scouts take part in a variety of water-based activities including canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and sailing, as well as other activities encouraging physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, and character development of young people.” The supply of life jackets is expected to encourage more young people to participate in the activities. Members of the scout group are aged 6 to 14.